Experience authentic German wet shaving craftsmanship with the Merkur 23C—a timeless three-piece safety razor that's been perfecting close, comfortable shaves since the 1920s. The extra-long brass handle provides superior control and leverage, whilst the closed comb head with generous blade gap makes this ideal for both beginners mastering technique and experienced shavers seeking reliable, irritation-free results from Solingen's century-old razor-making tradition.
Why Choose the Merkur 23C Safety Razor?
Extra-Long Handle for Superior Control: The extended 4.15-inch brass handle provides exceptional leverage and manoeuvrability compared to standard razors, making it easier to reach all facial contours, navigate around ears, and shave your neck comfortably without awkward wrist angles.
Solingen German Craftsmanship Since the 1920s: Handcrafted in Solingen, Germany—the world's historic blade capital—using over 100 years of razor-making expertise, ensuring every 23C meets exacting German engineering standards for precision, balance, and reliability that lasts decades.
Beginner-Friendly Closed Comb Design: The straight safety bar (closed comb) provides intuitive blade angle guidance that helps you automatically find the optimal 30-degree cutting position, making this exceptionally forgiving for safety razor newcomers whilst still delivering professional-quality results.
Generous Blade Gap Prevents Clogging: Merkur's signature spacious blade gap allows abundant soap and water flow around the blade whilst shaving, preventing lather buildup and cut hair accumulation that causes dragging—meaning fewer rinses and smoother continuous strokes.
Corrosion-Resistant Chrome Plating: The bright chrome galvanized finish protects the brass handle and zinc head from moisture, soap residue, and bathroom humidity indefinitely, maintaining that brilliant mirror shine whilst preventing tarnish or rust throughout decades of daily use.
Optimal Weight Distribution for Effortless Shaving: The solid brass handle and die-cast zinc head create perfect balance that lets gravity do the cutting work—no pressure required—reducing fatigue during longer shaving sessions whilst minimising the risk of nicks from applying force.
Simple Three-Piece Assembly: The classic short-screw, three-piece design (cap, base plate, handle) makes blade changes straightforward and cleaning thorough, with fewer moving parts than butterfly or adjustable razors—time-tested German engineering that never fails.
Perfect For
Safety Razor Beginners: Men and women new to traditional wet shaving will appreciate the closed comb's forgiving nature, the long handle's intuitive control, and the fixed blade angle that makes learning technique straightforward without adjustable complications.
Tall or Large-Handed Individuals: The extended handle length accommodates larger hands comfortably and provides the extra leverage that taller users need to reach all shaving angles without cramping or awkward positioning during their routine.
Traditionalists and Collectors: Enthusiasts who value authentic German engineering heritage, classic 1920s aesthetic design, and the prestige of owning a Solingen-made razor from one of Europe's most respected grooming manufacturers.
Budget-Conscious Quality Seekers: Those wanting premium German craftsmanship and lifetime durability without premium pricing—the 23C delivers exceptional value through simple, reliable three-piece construction and corrosion-proof chrome finish.
Wet Shaving Purists: Shavers who prefer the elegance and simplicity of traditional three-piece razors over modern adjustable mechanisms, appreciating the straightforward blade changes and thorough cleaning that classic designs enable.
Experienced Shavers Seeking Consistency: Veterans who want a dependable daily driver with fixed, mild-to-medium aggression that delivers consistently smooth results without the need to adjust settings or switch between plates.
Product Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Model Number |
Merkur 23C (9023001) |
| Design Heritage |
Classic 1920s German engineering |
| Total Length |
4.15 inches (105mm) extra-long handle |
| Handle Diameter |
1 inch (25mm) for secure grip |
| Handle Material |
Solid brass for optimal weight distribution |
| Head Material |
Die-cast zinc for precision and durability |
| Finish |
Bright chrome galvanized coating |
| Comb Type |
Closed comb (straight safety bar) |
| Blade Gap |
Generous spacing for soap flow and easy cleaning |
| Assembly Type |
Three-piece with short screw locking system |
| Blade Compatibility |
Standard double-edge safety razor blades |
| Weight |
Balanced brass and zinc construction |
| Aggressiveness |
Mild to medium (beginner-friendly) |
| Country of Origin |
Made in Solingen, Germany |
| Warranty |
Backed by Merkur quality guarantee |
| Dimensions (Boxed) |
1.62 in x 1 in x 4.15 in |
| Corrosion Resistance |
Chrome plating prevents rust and tarnish |